The sculpture depicts a Lohan, a holy man in Buddhism. It was made in China during the Ming Dynasty, under Emperor Cheng Hua. It is an example of superb craftsmanship and is made is cast iron, where the various parts are put together. The Lohans are Buddha’s personal disciples and were holy men who were believed to have supernatural powers. They were considered to have attained nirvana and functioned as guardians of Buddhism. This Lohan has the typical features of a holy man: long ear lobes and globe-shaped marks in the forehead. He is holding a dragon that is stretching for a globe that may be linked to the power of the sun. Röhsska Museum’s four Lohans were purchased in Henan in 1914, by Thorild Wulff, the museum’s representative. They previously stood in a temple, lined up along a wall in the temple hall. They are now permanent exhibits in the museum’s exhibition of Chinese art.

The Lohans are true masterpieces. Despite being cast iron, and probably mass produced, they are of high artistic quality. They are of similar size and appearance, but have different facial features and well-made details that make them very living. The sculptures have different outfits and are holding different objects in their hands. They are well-preserved and a valuable source of knowledge about Buddhism and the Ming Dynasty’s prestigious skills in the arts and crafts.